Search form

Arizona business leaders promote Common Core standards

Arizona business leaders told members of the state House of Representatives Wednesday that the new Common Core standards for K-12 schools will help companies fill available jobs. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

MARK BRODIE: Supporters say the new standards for math and English will help students leave high school ready to go to college or work. Cathleen Barton manages education in the southwest for Intel, and says under Common Core, students will be more critical thinkers and problem solvers and better communicators.

CATHLEEN BARTON: It’s not one size fits all, it’s not just for rocket science and it’s not rote learning. This kind of set of rigorous standards and the way in which teachers will teach and kids will learn will develop independent thinkers. And isn’t that what we all want?

BRODIE: Barton says Intel and others will be advocating for money to help implement Common Core - including funding for professional development and classroom materials. But how much money that’ll take is somewhat up for debate. Governor Jan Brewer has said her budget proposal will include funding for transitioning to the new standards. Her plan will be released on Friday.

For questions or comments about this website, please contact the KJZZ webmaster. For general comments or questions see the Contact KJZZ page for a listing of contacts by topic. Please note: Station policy mandates that listeners who win on-air giveaways on this station are not eligible to win again for 30 days.

Email regarding NPR's coverage, ethics, and funding can be sent to the NPR Ombudsman, who maintains an informative web page. For comments or concerns regarding NPR programs, listeners with a general inquiry, visit NPR's contact form.